Neighbour Ben Sant answers woman's cries for help and stops an attempted rape in Oakhurst home invasion

A MAN who rescued his neighbour as she was being sexually assaulted during a terrifying home invasion has been hailed a hero.

Ben Sant, a 24-year-old electrician, was at home with his fiancee in Dimascio Place, Oakhurst, in Sydney's west, about 8pm on Tuesday when he heard his next-door neighbour screaming his name and immediately ran to help.

When he burst through the door he saw a man trying to rape the 31-year-old mother of three, but the attacker managed to escape through a window and, using keys he had stolen from his victim, got into her car and drove away.

At the same time, the woman's ex-husband arrived at the townhouse to check his mail.

The attacker reversed over Mr Sant's foot as he fled, breaking it and leaving a 10mm "separation" in his ankle.

The offender crashed the car into a tree opposite the home, before speeding off. It was later found burnt out in Toongabbie, about a 20-minute drive away.

Detectives arrive on the scene in Oakhurst.Source:News Limited

Police are hunting a man in his late teens or early 20s, of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance with a slim build. It is understood the man, believed to be unknown to the victim, forced his way into the townhouse through a window and was armed with a knife.

Mr Sant said yesterday he was "fine" as he left home on his way to hospital. "I've got to go to hospital, I have to have pins put in my foot," he said.

Mr Sant's boss, Turnkey Electrical Systems general manager Peter Guini, said Mr Sant would be unable to work for several weeks and was to get married in a month's time.

"The woman screamed for help and called out his name. He saw that she was in distress and went next door and there was a man attempting to rape her, apparently. The man fled out the window, Ben tried to follow him and he drove over his foot," Mr Guini said.

"The poor kid's getting married in the next four weeks. He's unable to work for six to eight weeks depending on his injuries. He's a nice chap who's been with us for eight years. The kid did his apprenticeship with us.

"She (the victim) is just a nice person who lives next door and she's required some help. He deserves a good pat on the back. We're real proud of him."

Detectives visited the victim's house yesterday to retrieve belongings, including a black and cream handbag.

Ben Sant / Picture: Channel 7Source:Supplied

Female neighbours said they were concerned a violent sex attacker on the loose.

Jebbeh Dennis said she often saw young men hanging around the neighbourhood on her way to picking up her young daughter from school.

Mr Sant's boss Turnkey Electrical Systems general manager Peter Guini, said Mr Sant would be unable to work for several weeks and was to get married in a month's time.

"He's in hospital at the moment getting treatment for his broken foot. He's got a 10mm separation in his ankle right now," Mr Guini said.

"The woman screamed for help and called out his name. He saw that she was in distress and went next door and there was a man attempting to rape her, apparently. The man fled out the window, Ben tried to follow him and he drove the car over his foot.

"The poor kid's getting married in the next four weeks. He's unable to work for six to eight weeks depending on his injuries. He'll have to have a pin in his ankle.

"He's a nice chap that's been with us for eight years. The kid's done his apprenticeship with us. He's a terrific trades person and a credit to the company.

"She (the victim) is just a nice person that lives next door and she's required some help. He deserves a good pat on the back. We're real proud of him."

Detectives visited the victim's house about 12.30pm to retrieve some belongings, including a black and cream handbag.

They also interviewed Mr Sant's fiancée, who told the Daily Telegraph that they had been planning their wedding but he was now being cared for in hospital.

Female neighbours said they were concerned that there was a violent sex attacker on the loose.